In the pages of books, Black children discover universes where their dreams take flight. Each story becomes a feather, light yet strong, building wings that lift them beyond the boundaries of their everyday world. These wings are crafted from tales of heroes who look like them – from the determined steps of Ruby Bridges walking into school, to the soaring achievements of Mae Jemison touching the stars.

When Black children read, they find mirrors reflecting their beauty, their strength, their potential. They see themselves in the poetic words of Maya Angelou rising despite adversity, in the scientific brilliance of George Washington Carver transforming possibilities, and in the bold leadership of Martin Luther King Jr. dreaming of better tomorrows. These stories whisper to them: "You too can rise. You too can achieve. You too belong in every space you dare to enter."

Reading builds their wings feather by feather – each new word expanding their vocabulary, each sentence strengthening their understanding, each story growing their confidence. In books, they find characters who share their experiences, their struggles, their triumphs. They learn that their voices matter, that their stories deserve to be told, that their perspectives enrich the world's tapestry.

Through reading, Black children travel through time, witnessing the resilience of their ancestors and the richness of their heritage. They journey to ancient African kingdoms where Black excellence ruled, to the vibrant streets of Harlem where art and culture bloomed, to futuristic worlds where Black innovators lead humanity forward. These journeys show them that their potential is limitless, their dreams valid, their futures bright.

As they turn each page, their wings grow stronger. Reading equips them with knowledge – their armor against ignorance and prejudice. It gives them words to express their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. It provides them with tools to advocate for themselves and their communities. Most importantly, it shows them that they are not alone in their experiences, that their stories are part of a larger, powerful narrative.

When Black children read, they learn to soar above limitations others might place upon them. They discover that their imagination knows no bounds, that their intelligence deserves to shine, that their creativity can reshape worlds. Every book becomes a gust of wind beneath their wings, propelling them toward heights their ancestors dreamed of and fought for.

These wings, built from stories, carry them toward their dreams – whether they aspire to be writers or scientists, artists or entrepreneurs, leaders or healers. Reading shows them that these dreams are not just possible but achievable. It teaches them that their blackness is not a burden but a blessing, rich with history, culture, and endless possibility.

So let us fill their hands with books that celebrate their existence, that challenge their minds, that fuel their ambitions. For in reading, Black children don't just find stories – they find freedom. They find power. They find themselves. And with these discoveries, they spread their wings and fly, soaring toward horizons limited only by the vastness of their dreams.